Quake wakes up disaster body

The tremors that shook Delhi on Tuesday has jolted the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) into finalising its disaster management plan.

According to Delhi government officials, some districts have already prepared a draft plan, which will be discussed further and examined by experts from various institutes and government agencies, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The district management plan will indicate basic information about the resources, demography of the area and identify the vulnerability of the district to various hazards. A response mechanism will also be prepared.

For instance, east Delhi district falls under seismic zone IV and is hence considered at highest risk for earthquakes and floods. “The vulnerability of the district increases in fire accidents, since most of the slum clusters are thickly populated. It effects the rescue operations as it becomes difficult for fire engines to enter narrow lanes,” said a senior Delhi government official.

The officials said the district plan is not just a response mechanism, but it points out the preventive measures that need to be in place.

“Mapping the hazards is a complex exercise. Earthquakes, floods, building collapses, chemical disasters, etc., that can take place are being charted out.

There are various components to the district management plan, which includes prevention and mitigation,” added the official.

As part of the district plan, various stakeholders, including the community. have to be made aware of disasters and what they need to do in case of emergency.

For this, the DDMA has had held a number of mock drills and meetings with resident welfare associations.

“The plan will provide information on which agency will respond at what point,” said the official.

A number of workshops will be held in the coming few months, where these plans will be finalised. Once the district plan is ready, a state disaster management plan will be prepared.